Interview Real Estate Agents: Select a local agent with strong track records in your specific neighborhood. Ask about their marketing strategies, recent sales data, and commission structures.
Determine Your Home's Value: Deb Reddick will create a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to establish a realistic, competitive listing price based on recent comps.
Deb Reddick will Create a Seller Net Sheet: Estimate your net proceeds after subtracting real estate commissions (typically 5–6%), closing costs, title fees, and transfer taxes.
Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection: Identify structural, electrical, roofing, or plumbing issues early so you can fix them on your own terms rather than during high-pressure buyer negotiations.
Verify Local Municipal Requirements: Contact your local city/borough office early for mandatory point-of-sale requirements (e.g., local code inspections, sewer lateral/dye tests, or Use & Occupancy permits).
Order HOA/Condo Resale Certificate: If applicable, request your HOA resale packet early. These packages detail rules, fees, and special assessments, and can take several weeks to process.
Gather Property Records: Compile paid property tax receipts, utility bills, warranties, appliance manuals, and property surveys/plot plans.
Declutter & Depersonalize: Pack away family photos, personal collections, and non-essential items to make rooms and closets look larger and help buyers visualize themselves in the space.
Complete High-Impact Repairs: Patch holes in walls and touch up scuffed trim. Fix leaking faucets, squeaky doors, and running toilets. Replace outdated light fixtures and hardware (cabinet pulls, door handles).
Paint Neutral Tones: Repaint bold or dark accent walls with light, neutral shades to brighten rooms and widen appeal.
Boost Curb Appeal: Power-wash the driveway, siding, and walkways. Mow the lawn, trim overgrown bushes, and add fresh mulch/seasonal flowers. Clean or paint the front door and add a clean welcome mat.
Deep Clean Top-to-Bottom: Pay extra attention to windows, grout, appliances, basements, and pet areas to remove any lingering odors.
Hire a Professional Photographer: Ensure high-resolution photos, ground-level imagery, and (if applicable) 3D virtual tours or drone shots are taken when the home is immaculately staged.
Draft a Compelling Listing Description: Highlight standout features (e.g., energy efficiency, renovated kitchen, neighborhood amenities, school district).
Complete Legal Disclosures: Fill out the state's mandatory Seller's Property Disclosure Statement. Disclose all known material defects.
Set Up a Showing Strategy: Plan where you and your pets will go during open houses and private showings. Secure all valuables, personal documents, and prescription medications.
Keep the Home Show-Ready: Keep curtains open to maximize natural light, turn on lamps, leave internal doors open, and maintain daily cleanliness.
Review Offers Holistically: Evaluate offer price alongside financing strength (pre-approval status), cash vs. mortgage, buyer contingencies (inspection, appraisal, home sale), target closing date, and earnest money deposit.
Negotiate Repair Requests: Decide whether to complete requested post-inspection repairs yourself or offer closing credits to the buyer instead.
Final Walkthrough Preparation: Clear out all personal belongings, broom-sweep the entire house, and leave the property clean.
Coordinate Utility Transfers: Schedule final meter readings and transfer utilities out of your name as of the official closing date (do not shut them off early).
Consolidate Keys & Documentation: Put all house keys, garage door remotes, mailbox keys, and smart home codes in a central location (like the kitchen counter).
Bring Valid Photo ID to Closing.
Don't worry! Deb Reddick will help you with the process along the way so it is stress-free!
Call to action: Contact Deb